Reviews

Driving Impression

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The most surprising element of the new Wrangler’s public road performance is smooth ride quality. This is true on pavement, and, more impressively, on graded dirt with stretches of nasty washboard.

Similarly, the cabin is reasonably quiet in most situations, although some wind noise begins to intrude at freeway speeds. Design enhancements may improve the Wrangler’s progress through the air, but aerodynamic efficiency it not this vehicle’s strong suit. It’s still essentially a brick, and still punches a good-sized hole in the air.

Other small demerits: acceleration with the V6 engine is unhurried; weight reduction notwithstanding, the new Wrangler is still pretty chunky for a vehicle of its size. The two-door is just 166.8 inches long, the four-door is 188.4, but curb weights range from just under two tons to over 4300 pounds, according to Jeep.

The 2.0-liter turbo’s abundant torque yields a little more off-the-line enthusiasm, but acceleration nosebleeds are not a Wrangler concern.

On the plus side, the eight-speed automatic is a smooth operator. And Wrangler faithful will be pleased that this rugged individualist retains a manual transmission option.

Good marks on regular roads, which is where a lot of Wranglers spend most of their time.

But where the Wrangler continues to upstage every other vehicle with off-road pretensions is, yes, off road. Part of the experience at the Wrangler press introduction, near Tucson, included driving a Wrangler Rubicon up a slope consisting of small to medium-size boulders that didn’t even vaguely resemble a trail.

It was a slope that would have been difficult to climb on foot. But Like the Little Engine that Could, the Wrangler chuffed and snorted and marched up the hill, skid plates scraping, occasionally teetering on two wheels, sometimes with just one wheel delivering traction.

This is the environment that makes the Wrangler special.

Walk Around

Editor:

Tony Swan

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As noted, to a casual observer, the new Wrangler is all but indistinguishable from its predecessor. But there are many, and to Jeep cognoscenti some, at least, will be immediately apparent.

For example, not only is the new windshield easier to remove, its angle is less upright, improving the Wrangler’s aerodynamics. That seven-slot grille is more upright in its lower two-thirds, then cants rearward in the upper third. The headlights are closer to the grille The tailgate-mounted spare tire mount is a little lower, and the rearview camera sits at the center of the mount.

Also, though not visible to the naked eye, the tailgate is composed of magnesium, with an aluminum skin, part of the Wrangler’s weight reduction. Similarly, the hood, doors, and fenders are aluminum.

The soft top on the classic two-door is easier to remove, and the soft top version of the four-door Sahara is power operable, a Wrangler first.

Interior Overview

Editor:

Tony Swan

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Comfort isn’t the first word that comes to mind with a vehicle such as the Wrangler, but it’s an attribute that’s an appreciated part of the new Wrangler’s persona. It’s partly attributable to increased room, particularly in the rear seat, partly to improved materials. Interior noise levels are surprisingly civilized on paved roads, and of course there’s up-to-date infotainment and connectivity with Chrysler’s Uconnect system and available 8.4-inch touch screen.

The latest Wrangler has no luxury pretenses, but the product planners reason that rugged off-road creds and contemporary comfort aren’t mutually exclusive concepts.

The new automatic is optional with the V6 engine; an equally new Aisin six-speed manual is standard.

As noted, a new turbocharged eTorque 2.0-liter four joins the Wrangler powertrain inventory. Rated for 270 hp and 295 lb-ft, the new turbo four also has an motor generator that provides an electric assist feature, making it a sort of mild hybrid.

The new eTorque 2.0-liter will be paired only with the eight-speed automatic.

As you’d expect, the Wrangler offers a number of off-road features: two four-wheel drive systems, more robust Dana axles front and rear, locking front and rear differentials, a taller wheel/tire package (32 inches versus the previous 31-inch tire), as well as a vast catalogue of Jeep Performance and Mopar goodies.

Summary

Editor:

Tony Swan

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There are Wranglers that never leave pavement, and of all the Jeeps this one makes an automotive fashion statement that’s hard to ignore. But where it excels is where the pavement ends. There are Land Rovers that can tackle the rough stuff, but for the money the Wrangler has no peers.

Model Lineup

Editor:

Tony Swan

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There are four Wrangler trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon.